What Bamboo Yoga Retreat in Goa, India, lacks in creature comforts it makes up for in its wellness experience. Recognised in 2017 by Conde Nast Traveller as one of India’s best yoga retreats, this beachside resort offers in-depth yoga experience through a range of yoga holiday packages, mind-body retreat immersions and yoga teacher training programmes.
Location
Situated at the far southern end of Patnem Beach in Canacona, Bamboo Yoga Retreat is positioned near the quiet town of Chaudi in South Goa. Located approximately 90 minutes from Goa International Airport (GOI), the retreat is a short drive from Goa’s famous Agonda and Palolem Beaches.
Accommodation
Designed to blend in with the retreat’s seaside backdrop, the bungalows at Bamboo are the definition of ‘beach hut’. Made from bamboo rattan, each eco-friendly abode houses double or twin-share beds, ceiling fans and ensuite bathrooms with open-air showers. Amenities are super minimal, so other than a mosquito net and simple wardrobe, there are no creature comforts.
That said, each bungalow has quality European mattresses and private balconies that overlook the beach. There are three room categories: Beachfront Sunset, Ocean Mountain or Ocean Temple, which are all very similar except that the Ocean Temple rooms overlook the garden instead of the beach.
Food Programme
Wholesome, flavoursome and nutritious, the food at Bamboo is fresh, healthy and tasty. Locally sourced and mostly organic, seasonal ingredients are transformed into superfood salads, vegetarian dishes and Asian favourites including spice-laden curries and stir-fries. Cooked with love by a team of local chefs, Indian specialities such as hearty dhal, Puri, Saag and delicious naan bread are also on the menu along with freshly squeezed juices, herbal teas and Indian chai. Fresh fish and seafood are also available. Those on retreat can enjoy buffet-style meals, while drop-in guests eat from the retreat’s á la carte menu.
Treatment Programme
The packages at Bamboo revolve around all-inclusive yoga immersions and teacher training. The standard ‘Yoga Holiday’ includes two yoga classes and one meditation class a day. Morning classes are dynamic (Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, Sivananda and Iyengar styles are explored), while afternoon classes embrace restorative styles such as Yin. Taught by seasoned international instructors, classes span 90 minutes and combine asana (poses) with pranayama (breathwork) and guided meditation. In addition to the daily yoga schedule, Bamboo hosts seasonal yoga teacher training and specialised mind-body retreats led by visiting teachers.
See also: 5 Boutique Yoga Retreats For Peace and Privacy
Along with the yoga programme, the retreat also offers Ayurvedic spa treatments including ‘Shirodhara’ oil treatments (where medicated oil is poured in a continuous stream over the forehead), ‘Ila Kizhi’ therapy (an ancient technique combining warm leaf compresses and massage) and traditional Indian head massages.
If you’ve taken a long-haul international flight, book in for the Jet Lag Package upon arrival. It includes a body massage, pressure point face massage and Keralan foot massage to help your body recalibrate.
Results
Expect to feel like you’ve stumbled off the beaten track and across an oasis of laidback, low-key zen. This is a no-frills retreat that is more suited to large teacher training groups or dedicated yogis who don’t mind swapping out their five-star amenities for unparalleled yoga tuition.
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